European Union Launches Civil Society Initiatives in Support of Uzbekistan’s Reform Agenda
“Building on the momentum of the recent EU–Central Asia Summit, today’s projects launch reaffirms the European Union’s sustained commitment to civil society in Uzbekistan. These projects reflect our shared ambition to create space for civic actors to engage meaningfully in justice, gender equality, media, and digital rights. This is about enabling the voices that shape fairer, more open, and resilient communities. A vibrant civil society is essential for building a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future — and the EU is proud to stand as a committed partner on this path”,
pointed out H.E. Toivo Klaar, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan.
EU in Uzbekistan
“Today is a special moment for Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region. As we move forward with the Strategy 2030 reforms, strengthening civil society becomes a key element in building a just and inclusive society. These EU-supported projects represent an important step towards deepening cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, empowering civic actors, and promoting rights-based development. I am grateful to all those who are contributing to this important work,"
noted Professor Akmal Saidov, Director of the National Human Rights Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Designed to strengthen civic engagement and promote inclusive development, the five initiatives combine national coverage with targeted regional outreach. Activities will span in Tashkent, Karakalpakstan, Namangan, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya and other regions – supporting efforts in legal empowerment, gender equality, youth and media literacy and digital rights. Each project brings together European and Uzbek partner organisations, creating strong local ownership and cross-sector collaboration. The initiatives will build the capacity of civil society actors, empower vulnerable groups, and support collaboration between civil society and public institutions across all levels.
The following EU-funded projects were launched:
-
EQUALITY: Strengthened Civil Society in Advancing Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Uzbekistan implemented by ACTED in cooperation with the Center of Social Protection and Education “White Sail,” the Information and Consulting Resource Centre “Yuksalish” of Kashkadarya region, and NGO Center NIHOL Uzbekistan.
-
SHIELD – Strengthening Human Rights Implementation, Education, and Legal Development, implemented by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in cooperation with the Development Strategy Center.
-
Human Rights in Action: Championing Change with Youth and CSOs, implemented by Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V. (DVV) in cooperation with “Barqaror Hayot” International Social Educational Center.
-
Uzbekistan Digital Rights Media Initiative (UDRMI), implemented by the Modern Journalism Development Centre (MJDC) in cooperation with the Legal Policy Research Centre (Kazakhstan).
-
Empowering Civil Society for Inclusive Community Development in Uzbekistan, implemented by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in cooperation with the “Yuksalish” Movement.
Please, find more information about the projects: https://surli.cc/auqjmv.
For more information, please contact:
Malika Musaeva
Press and Information Officer
European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan
-
Tel: + 998 78 120 16 01
About European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.
Delegation of the European Union
to the Republic of Uzbekistan
International Business Centre,
107 B Amir Temur Street
100 084 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
-
Telephone: +998 78 120 16 01/02/03/04
-
Fax: +998 78 120 16 08
- Website: http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/uzbekistan